Gareth A Davies has been a sports journalist for The Daily Telegraph since 1993. He is Boxing and MMA Correspondent. Has been intrigued by fight and combat sports from a young age. Personal sporting passions are rugby, cricket, and martial arts. Also covers the Paralympic Games. Hates getting his hair cut. Follow on Twitter @GarethADaviesDT

Flash partnership with UFC enfranchises Abu Dhabi with five events over two years and TUF series

The ever-popular legend Big Nog will headline against Roy Nelson in a new series of UFC events in the Middle East with Flash Entertainment

When Roy Nelson and 'Big Nog' Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira step into the Octagon on April 11 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, it will be the
first of five events in the region in the next 24 months, in which time a TUF series could also be staged there.

The area is already a Brazilian jiu-jitsu heartland. And MMA is growing exponentially there.

The UFC's major expansion into the Middle East, with FLASH Entertainment, the region's foremost live entertainment producer and promoter, will create "at least" five live UFC events as part of a two-year agreement. Additionally, the partnership is hatching plans to bring the hit reality sports television show, The Ultimate Fighter, to the region.

It means that aspiring athletes in the region will gain the opportunity to develop and compete for a contract with the world's fastest-growing sports organisation.

The UFC Fight Nights will join other world class sporting events that FLASH Entertainment has staged across the region including F1, FIFA Club World Cup and ATP Tennis.

Garry Cook, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of UFC EMEA, said: "This agreement is a major step in our strategic expansion across EMEA and, in particular, will see our audience grow dramatically across the region."

"There is a huge market for the UFC in the Middle East; the fans want live events and can now look forward to local tailored content in the region."

"FLASH Entertainment has worked with some of the biggest sports organisations and brands in the world and they are committed to a shared vision for delivering an unrivalled product in terms of excitement and production values to the Middle Eastern audience."

John Lickrish, Chief Executive Officer at FLASH Entertainment, said: "FLASH Entertainment has been proud partners of the UFC for many years, stretching back to the historic UFC 112 event in Abu Dhabi in 2010."

"The announcement today heralds a bright future for the millions of fight fans and practitioners alike across the Middle East and North Africa, as we work together to develop a programme of year-round UFC events. We look forward to making further announcements very soon."

The first EMEA event of 2014 takes place at the 02 Arena, London, on Saturday March 8. UFC Fight Night: London 2014 will see Sweden's light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson take on England's undefeated Jimi Manuwa in the main event.